Kenya and Japan are looking to expand practical defence cooperation, with military education, specialised training, capacity building and sharing of expertise emerging as key areas of focus between the two countries.
The discussions took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, when Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Bernard Waliaula received Commander Nishioka Terumichi, Japan’s Defence Attaché to the Intelligence Division, Maritime Staff Office, during a courtesy visit to the Kenya Air Force headquarters.
The meeting gave the two military institutions an opportunity to examine areas of mutual interest and consider new ways of strengthening cooperation between their personnel.
Among the issues discussed were professional military education, training opportunities, capacity building and the exchange of knowledge. Both sides stressed the value of regular engagement in helping their forces improve skills, expertise and institutional capacity.
Major General Waliaula said partnerships between defence institutions play an important role in helping militaries gain new knowledge and strengthen their ability to deal with changing security needs.
“We value our strong partnership with Japan. Such engagements are essential in strengthening professional ties, enhancing knowledge exchange and building the capabilities required to address contemporary security challenges,” Major General Waliaula said.
The talks also pointed to the importance of international military partnerships in improving the way defence forces operate while strengthening their institutions.
Through joint professional engagements and training programmes, military personnel can learn from different approaches, exchange experiences and develop specialised skills that can help them respond to new security challenges.
Commander Nishioka reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to advancing defence cooperation with Kenya and expressed optimism that the two sides would continue working together in areas of shared interest.
The latest engagement reflects efforts to move the Kenya-Japan relationship beyond diplomatic and political ties towards more practical cooperation between their defence institutions.
The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with their partnership extending across trade, development, infrastructure, technology and human capacity development.
Defence cooperation now adds another area to the long-standing relationship, with military education, training and professional development being identified as possible areas for further collaboration.
For Kenya, stronger links with international defence institutions offer its military personnel opportunities to gain specialised skills, learn from international experts and build professional networks. Such engagements can also support the development of stronger institutions and improve preparedness.
Japan has also continued to develop security partnerships with countries and other international partners as it seeks to promote cooperation and stability in different regions.
The discussions come at a time when defence institutions are facing an increasingly complex security environment, requiring countries to strengthen coordination, expertise and preparedness.
The Kenya Air Force said continued international partnerships could help build stronger and more resilient institutions while supporting broader efforts to promote peace, security and stability.
Kenya and Japan are expected to explore further opportunities in professional military education, training, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The meeting between Waliaula and Nishioka marks another step in efforts to build closer practical defence ties, while adding a new dimension to the wider relationship between Kenya and Japan